REVIEW: Origin Story
This has been a challenging day, and I don’t know why exactly. My dad passed away over forty years ago when I was six. I thought I was over it, but when the hostess wished me a “Happy Father’s Day,” I brushed it off. “Just another day,” I said. She persisted. “No, you get two a year - your birthday and Father’s Day.”
I don’t know why she assumed that I’m a father. I’m definitely not. I will very likely never be. And since I haven’t had one for most of my life, there’s not much to celebrate today.
Unless you consider the remarkable production of “Origin Story” at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, which I am about to gush about. And I almost missed it. What a shame that would have been.
“Origin Story,” a world premiere play running through this weekend in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse, is one of the most intriguing, fascinating plays I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot.
Without spoiling anything, this could be marketed as a “workplace comedy.” I suppose that’s accurate, but that’s like saying “Sweeney Todd” is a musical about pies.
“Origin Story” is smartly written by a playwright (Nathan Alan Davis) who knows how to conserve dialogue to the bare minimum and, in doing so, somehow still manages to paint multi-layered characters so full of life and resonance while maintaining the individual comedic archetypes. Brilliant.
It takes a team of actors and a director to realize such genius characterizations fully. It begins with Amira Danan, who plays “Margaret.” Danan makes incredibly bold choices, with line readings that the average actor would never consider. It’s a brave, captivating performance. Margaret is our anchor - she holds down two full-time jobs: some vague “service” company during the day and “The Burg,” a fast food joint at night.
From nine to five, she works with “Val,” played by Betsy Hogg. If this were an 80s sitcom, Val would be played by Julia Duffy; Hogg, though, plays her with a vast measure of restraint. Self-admittedly, Val doesn’t have many friends - and we all know why. But still, I couldn’t help but root for her anyway, as Hogg found ways to be endearing despite the character’s flaws.
Margaret’s co-worker at “The Burg” is “Bobby,” played by Michael Lepore, who is so convincing in his role that I’d believe it if you told me that he was recruited off the street at an actual drive-thru. He’s authentic and realistic, from his facial hair to his hand gestures. It’s a fantastic performance.
We also meet Shonita Joshi’s “Anita,” an HR rep, in her first week on the job. She’s ambitious and well-intended. Joshi has had an impeccable run while here in Cincy, starting with “Queen” and “Grand Horizons” at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - and I am excited to see what comes next for her. Josh Odor plays “Dex,” the “Monday-only lover” of Val. On the surface, he’s cold and unfeeling; we learn that he’s actually quite profound and perfectly practical at the same time - and his moments with “Bobby” got to me.
Finally, Dwandra Nickole Lampkin plays “Roxanne,” an obnoxiously friendly customer of The Burg, and “Gary” (Bill Timoney), the copy repairman at Margaret’s day job. Both of these actors mine their parts for some very touching, tender moments, and I won’t say more so as not to spoil any of the surprises.
I told you this script was layered!
Director Joanie Schulz paces and stages the action so well that all sides of the theatre remain immersed in the action. I didn’t look at my watch once during the ninety-minute performance. The technical team astounds with magic effects, like well-timed water cooler bubbles, sound effects from fast food equipment, and a clever bit where a scooter doubles as a vehicle in the drive-through lane. Not only do all the elements work together seamlessly, but the tone of this piece also straddles the line of quirky without getting too weird. The vibe is consistent from scene to scene, and all the performers act as an ensemble in this way, too.
It’s damn near perfect.
I’ve seen comments online from audience members who didn’t like it and some who even hated the show. Looking around the matinee audience, I could see scowls mixed with laughter. At least one person walked out. I suppose you could be disappointed if you are expecting a sitcom-like show with broad humor. However, any person willing to be open to the lessons that theatre can teach us should be inspired by this production.
After all, it’s called “Origin Story;” each character has some measure of growing to do as they explore their natural and spiritual origins, with a lot of awakening happening, too. The subtle nods to water as a life source weren’t lost on me either, especially as a bonafide Pisces.
I guess it’s fitting that I saw the show on Father’s Day, given my particular story. Some moments in “Origin Story” resonated deeply with my soul - and others just brushed up against my feelings. While quite obviously, if you can move me, you will likely get favorable comments on this sappy blog. But after so many years of seeing a heck of a lot of theatre, I can objectively tell you that this show is spectacular on all levels.
I might even see it again.
ORIGIN STORY runs at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through June 25th. Tickets and more information can be found here.
First of all, let me say I'm sorry about you losing your Dad at such a young and tender age. But secondly, even though you're not a Dad yourself, I'm sure you've been a mentor and a father figure to more than one person. I think you can accept the hostess' Happy Father's Day with a clear conscience ❤